life sentence

noun

plural life sentences
: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convicted person's life when there is no possibility of parole or for a minimum number of years under applicable law until the convicted person becomes eligible for and is granted parole

Examples of life sentence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Funston, housed at the California Institution for Men in Chino, has served 27 years of his life sentence. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026 If convicted, Reiner could face the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 If convicted, Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as the Duke of York (until he was stripped of his title last year), could face a life sentence. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026 He was convicted in 2024 on an array of drug and weapons charges related to his leadership role in the cartel and is serving a life sentence. Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for life sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life sentence was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Life sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20sentence. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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